"An opportunity I could not turn down" - Chiedozie Ogbene's first words as a Luton Town player

Luton Town have completed the signing of Rotherham United and Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene.

The pacey attacker arrives at Kenilworth Road as the club's first Premier League signing and joins as a free agent, whilst there was a wealth of competition for his services. However, it is the Hatters who have emerged victorious, beating the likes of Ipswich Town, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday in the process.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the 26-year-old grew up in Ireland and progressed through the academy ranks at Cork City, before completing a switch to Limerick in 2016. Ogbene's first taste of English football came with Brentford, with the exciting attacker arriving at the London club in January 2018.

A move to Rotherham United came about in the summer of 2019 and he emerged as one of the club's finest players over recent years. Enjoying an impressive Championship campaign last time out with the Millers, Ogbene netted eight goals and provided four assists in 39 second tier games as the Yorkshire club avoided the drop.

The forward, who can operate on both flanks and as a centre-forward, has represented the Republic of Ireland 15 times since his 2021 debut and recently played the full 90 in a narrow 1-0 defeat to World Cup finalists France.

Speaking to the club's media upon his arrival, Ogbene said: “I’m delighted to be here as a Premier League player, because of my journey and where I’ve been in the last five-and-a-half years, from Limerick FC and the League of Ireland to Luton Town FC in the Premier League. My former coach said it would be one in 200,000 – I guess I’m that one!

“My journey is special to me. I come from Rotherham United, who I spent four seasons with and where I achieved some great things with some great people. But to be considered to be a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“I’m just excited to be here. To feature in the Premier League is everyone’s dream and I’m really happy for the opportunity.”

Featured image: Copyright of Gareth Owen/LTFC